We are very excited to have Story Dogs as part of our school Community.  St. Joseph’s has joined Story Dogs as part of a National Story Dogs program that reaches over 390 schools nationally. 

Story dogs involves a reading session of 20 minutes for 4 year 2 students each week with our Volunteer Deb, and her dog Sadie. Susie Alexander is the coordinator for our school program.

The Dog team visits on the same day each week (Thursday 9:15-10:45 for the school year working with the same target students. 

The books are chosen to suit the reading level of the students - the team supplies the books and books can be also from the classroom if a child has a book they would like to read to the dog. 

During the session the handler often speaks through the dog- for eg- Sadie doesn’t quite understand what is happening in this part could you help her out? The child becomes the teacher; and confidence soars. 

The program is free with a commitment to run a fundraiser where the students may wear a touch of orange and donate a gold coin or such. This will be done in term 3. In time we may be able to source a sponsor for Story Dogs. 

We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Story Dogs.  

Story dogs are on social media and they would like as many people from our school community to know they are on Instagram and Facebook. The more follows, likes and  shares of their posts the more we can  help to raise awareness of the program.